New Express Entry Categories Announced by Canada in 2026
Canada Now Prioritizes Three New Job Categories
The Canadian government has introduced major changes to its PR system. Now, it actively prioritizes three new occupational categories under Express Entry:
- Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Transport occupations
- Skilled military personnel
As a result, candidates in these fields now have better chances of receiving permanent residence invitations.
Work Experience Requirement Increased to One Year
Previously, candidates needed only six months of continuous work experience. However, the government has increased this requirement.
Now, candidates must:
- Complete at least one year of work experience
- Gain this experience within the last three years
- Combine different work periods if needed (continuous work is no longer required)
Therefore, while the total experience requirement has increased, the rules offer more flexibility.
Official Announcement
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced these updates on February 18, 2026. She delivered the speech at the Canadian Club in Toronto.
During her speech, she clearly explained how these changes support Canada’s workforce and economic goals.
Senior Managers with Canadian Experience
Canada now selects senior managers from the following fields:
- Construction, transportation, production, and utilities
- Trade, broadcasting, and other services
- Health, education, and social services
- Financial, communications, and business services
If these professionals already have Canadian work experience, they now stand in a stronger position.
Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
Similarly, Canada now prioritizes academic professionals such as:
- University professors and lecturers
- Post-secondary teaching and research assistants
Because Canada continues to invest in education and innovation, it wants experienced researchers to stay permanently.
Skilled Military Personnel Category
In addition, Canada created a new pathway for certain military professionals, including:
- Operations members
- Specialized members
- Commissioned officers
However, this category includes extra eligibility requirements.
Extra Requirements for Military Candidates
To qualify under this category, candidates must:
- Serve at least 10 years continuously in a recognized foreign military
- Secure a full-time job offer (minimum three years) from the Canadian Armed Forces
- Complete at least a two-year post-secondary education program
Clearly, Canada designed this category for experienced and highly qualified military professionals.
New Transport Occupations Category
Furthermore, Canada introduced a completely new transport category. It includes:
- Air pilots and flight engineers
- Automotive and truck mechanics
- Aircraft mechanics and inspectors
- Avionics and aircraft instrument technicians
Interestingly, this list does not include jobs from the previous transport category, which the government removed in 2025.
Physicians Category Draw Coming Soon
Additionally, the government confirmed that it will conduct the first draw for the physicians category this week. Canada introduced this category in December 2025 to address the country’s doctor shortage.
Category-Based Selection (CBS) Explained
Under Express Entry, Canada now mainly uses Category-Based Selection (CBS).
In simple terms:
- The government chooses a specific job category.
- Then, it invites only candidates who qualify under that category.
- Consequently, eligible professionals receive a higher chance of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Since April 2024, Canada has largely focused on category-based draws and the Canadian Experience Class, which requires at least one year of Canadian work experience.
Other Categories That Continue
At the same time, Canada continues to prioritize:
- French language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Trades occupations
On the other hand, the government has retired the Agriculture and Agri-Food category.
Asylum Reform Update
During the same speech, Diab also addressed asylum reforms under Bill C-12.
She emphasized that:
- Canada already provides clear immigration pathways for skilled workers.
- Therefore, people should use the asylum system only if they genuinely need protection.
- Furthermore, individuals who have stayed in Canada for over a year should not claim asylum.
She also clarified that visitors coming for the FIFA World Cup 2026 must follow regular entry rules and cannot misuse the asylum process.
Conclusion
Canada has:
- Increased the work experience requirement to one year
- Introduced three new priority occupational categories
- Continued category-based selection as the main Express Entry method
Overall, these changes aim to strengthen Canada’s economy and workforce while maintaining structured immigration pathways.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
